Todd Brown

About you

What work experience/internships did you have before beginning with Imperial College Business School?

After completing my undergraduate studies, I worked for two years at a healthcare startup for a group of family practice clinics. As the project manager, I oversaw the marketing team, the day-to-day operations of multiple clinics and sat in on business strategy meetings.

Why did you decide to study MSc International Health Management at Imperial College Business School?

Firstly, Imperial is a great school. I knew I wanted to study somewhere with a great reputation. Secondly, I loved the structure of the programme. I looked forward to working with my fellow students and applying what we were learning through multiple, hands-on group projects. Lastly, the programme aligned with what I was interested in: healthcare management and research.

Programme

What aspects of the programme do you most enjoy the most?

I enjoy the practical portions of the programme. Almost every module has a group project where you apply what you are learning in a real-life scenario.

Which has been your favourite module so far and why?

This is really tough to answer, I liked too many of them. I would say my top three are Business Strategy for Global Healthcare, Health Economics and Contemporary Topics in Health Policy. I enjoyed each of these for different reasons; however, it boils down to the fact that they are interesting topics, provide excellent hands-on applications, and the professors are enthusiastic about their topics and want to see you succeed.

What has been the most rewarding part of the programme?

The most rewarding part of the programme has to be working with my peers and gaining practical skills. My classmates are all amazing individuals who each bring a different perspective and background to the modules. Through the practical applications, I have seen my knowledge and capabilities grow and blossom over time.

What has been the most challenging part of the programme?

Due to COVID-19, most of our modules have been online and some classmates were not able to make it to London. Throughout the year there have been times when scheduling group meetings has been difficult while trying to work with multiple time zones.

How have you found the multi-mode teaching delivery?

I honestly can see the hard work the administration has put in to our programme to make it the best experience possible for us. The multi-mode teaching delivery has been extremely helpful in allowing me to get a quality education and still feel a member of the Imperial community.

People

How would you describe your cohort at Imperial?

I have been blown away with how knowledgeable, hardworking and outstanding everyone is. Our cohort is very diverse with people coming from all different backgrounds, countries and skill sets. They are all amazing!

Did you have a favourite professor/lecturer and why?

I don’t know if I have a specific favourite professor/lecturer. I have enjoyed all of them for different reasons.

Opportunities

What has been the greatest opportunity you have had at Imperial?

I reached out to the faculty at the beginning of the programme and they helped me get my foot in the door at the Centre for Health Economics & Policy Innovation at Imperial where I assisted with various research projects in the realm of health policy. It has been a great experience conducting research into something I am interested in and passionate about. I then secured my summer internship with them where I am excited to continue working on my research and starting new projects.

Which workshops, events or guest lectures at the School have been useful in developing your skills and knowledge?

We recently had our Business Plan Competition where, as a team, we developed a working business plan and pitched our ideas to a group of third-party investors/experts. It was great to apply the knowledge we had been gaining all year to a fun project. My team took second place which was a bonus.

What clubs, societies or other activities have you been involved in at Imperial?

I am a Student Ambassador for Imperial College Business School. It has been a great experience talking with interested students in the School and/or my programme. I am also a Student Content Creator for the Business School having published a blog post about my experiences.

Have you had opportunities to work/socialise with students across programmes within the Business School?

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it has been a little difficult to connect with other students in different programmes; however, I have been able to connect with some students through our shared modules and in the networking opportunities Imperial provides to all students.

Career

What are your future career goals and how have they been realised since being at Imperial?

After graduating from Imperial, I will start my Doctor of Medicine degree in the United States. Imperial has helped me find my passion for research, innovation, and creativity in problem solving. After I finish my MD degree, I hope to influence healthcare policy and start my own business, something I didn’t think would be possible before this degree.

How did the services from Careers help in your professional development/securing employment?

Imperial College Business School Careers has a great team. Through their networking opportunities, classes and events I feel much more confident in pursuing my goals and dreams.

London Location

Where do you live in London and why did you choose to live there?

I live in Earl’s Court. I decided to rent a flat there because it is close to campus (about a 20-minute walk), within zone one and has so many things to see around it. I love that it is close to downtown London, many museums and has abundant parks within walking/running distance.

When you’re not studying, what do you enjoy doing?

I love to read, listen to books on tape, run (especially long-distance/trail running) and play chess.

Tips

Looking back to when you were applying for the programme, did you attend any online webinars or on-campus information sessions?

I did not attend the information sessions; however, I wish I had. Being able to talk to current students would have been extremely useful. I did send quite a few emails to the admissions team which helped me understand what I needed to do to move to London.

What advice would you give someone who is thinking about applying for the programme?

Make sure the programme is a great fit for you. Look at the different modules and talk with current students to make sure it aligns with your career goals. If it does, this is an amazing programme; you will not regret applying.